11 of the best Australian-made fashion labels
image via @bassike/instagram
words by daisy henry and lara daly
Local and loved.
In a landscape as fast-paced as fashion, it’s become more important than ever to pause and ask yourself, “Who made my clothes?”. With rising costs and local factories closing down, it’s not easy for Australian designers to keep production in the country.
In many cases, fashion labels have no choice but to move towards offshore production. When this is done responsibly, supply chains are transparent, garment workers are paid a living wage, factory conditions meet mandatory requirements and environmental costs are taken into account. However, in the face of fast fashion, we know this isn’t always the case.
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Recently, Fashion Journal reported on a new initiative from the Australian Fashion Council that aims to rebuild local manufacturing capabilities. While the 10-year roadmap recognises the need to strengthen local fashion and textile production, we also think it’s important to support the designers who, despite the challenges, are already offering a collection of locally-made pieces. From everyday basics to tailored suits and silk gowns, find our roundup below.
Sister Studios
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Every piece of clothing from Sister Studios is designed in-house and produced locally. The label works closely with a range of makers in Melbourne, and prioritises using natural fibres and deadstock materials in its production. Whimsical at heart, you’ll find no shortage of colour, asymmetrical cuts, ruffles and more.
Madre Natura
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Translating to ‘Mother Nature’ in Italian, Madre Natura has always championed sustainability in its designs. Launched in 2020 by designer Jackie Galleghan, the label blends modern and nostalgic elements, using premium natural fibres. Each garment is crafted in Sydney by a close community of skilled makers, and released in small, limited runs.
Beare Park
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For those who gravitate towards structured blazers and sweeping silk gowns, you’ll be pleased to know Beare Park is committed to keeping its manufacturing local. Each garment is designed by co-founder and creative director, Gabriella Pereira, and crafted in limited runs by a community of master tailors and makers in Sydney and Melbourne.
Bassike
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Female-founded, ready-to-wear label Bassike might be pronounced ‘basic’, but its designs and quality are anything but. Focusing on natural fabrics like organic cotton, denim and jersey, as well as leather, it’s a mainstay in our everyday wardrobes. With over 90 per cent of Bassike garments made in Australia, you can also feel good about supporting local manufacturing.
Kahe
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Melbourne-based designer Kacy Heywood makes the majority of the pieces for her label Kahe right here in Australia. Specialising in denim, leather, and locally-sourced merino wool, Kahe is a favourite among FJ editors for flattering jeans, thoughtful tailoring and sexy wardrobe staples.
Monphell
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Monphell is a Melbourne label helmed by designer Toby Wright. Blending his background in design and construction, the label is known for its use of high-quality materials and oversized, unisex styles. From its merino wool knitwear to its signature wide-leg trousers and double-breasted blazers, every garment is made locally.
Par Moi
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Par Moi was created by designer Ashiya Omundsen in defiance of fast fashion. With a mission to create pieces using deadstock and surplus fabrics, the label has stepped away from ‘collections’ in a bid to discourage mass, multi-seasonal consumption. From clothing to bags, each piece is designed, cut and sewn in-house by Ashiya.
All is a Gentle Spring
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From the beginning, womenswear label All is a Gentle Spring has been committed to keeping production local. Known for its minimalist and feminine styles, every item is crafted using natural fibres like wool and silk, and is produced by independent makers in Melbourne.
Karla Špetić
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Launched in 2008, Karla Špetić’s eponymous label is known for pushing the boundaries. Blending precision and tailoring with unexpected cut-outs, lace bodysuits and playful details, it’s clothing that feels both wearable and exciting. Working with mills and fabric suppliers across Japan, Europe and New Zealand, Karla’s garments are locally produced in limited runs, or made to order in Australia.
E Nolan
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Been hunting for the perfect shirt? Beloved designer Emily Nolan has an eye for timeless, elegant design and it shows. E Nolan’s limited ready-to-wear range is made locally in Melbourne, but if you’re looking for something more personalised, you can invest in a made-to-measure suit. With hundreds of fabrics to choose from, it’s easy to find something sustainable and unique to you.
Van Der Kooij
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Created and run by Natasha Veenhuizen, Van Der Kooij is an Australian-made label known for its special-occasion silk gowns, lacework and bridalwear. Pieces are handmade in limited quantities, as well as made to order, highlighting the label’s emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability.
For more on sustainable fashion, try this.
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